Over 100 musicians will descend on Portstewart and Portrush next week to participate in the award-winning Atlantic Sessions Music Festival

From 16-19 November, live music from Northern Ireland’s finest artists will take place in restaurants, hotels, and music venues, with each musician playing their own music for at least one hour, forming a music trail across the two resorts. The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council event has over 30 music trail gigs, free of charge, and no booking is required.

The music trail of free gigs will feature artists such as Paul Casey, John McCullough, Bello Duo, Polar Bolero, The Daisy Chain, Rhinos, Andy Rogers, Grainne Cooke, Luca FD, Acoustic Dan, Taylor Lally, Seefin, Brian Robb, Tyler Michael, Neil Martin and Rod McVey. Many will be premiering their work at the festival.

Join us also for some ticketed gigs. Watch out for local emerging talent Brand New Friend at the new Barn venue at Kelly’s, Ralph McLean’s annual ‘In the Round’ concert and a new addition to the festival – Ralph’s Record Club – where the focus will be on classic album ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac.

The 4 of Us have sold out at Flowerfield Arts Centre, but tickets for nineties sensations The Minnows, blues musician Dom Martin and a Q&A with Horslips at the Portrush Playhouse are still available. Don’t tell anyone, but Jim and Barry from Horslips plan to join Paddy Goodwin and his band ‘The Holy Ghosts’ for a few tunes on stage.

All music trail events are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets for headline events and accommodation offers can be found at  www.atlanticsessions.com and we recommend early booking due to demand.

Atlantic Sessions is a Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council initiative with programming and coordination by Basslines.

Tickets are now on sale for our headline events, available at www.atlanticsessions.com

All other gigs are admission-free, and no booking is required.

Follow Atlantic Sessions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest announcements.

Cancer Fund for Children works to support children, young people and families impacted by cancer. This November, they are hosting a special Candlelit Concert to raise money towards their vital services with the help of event sponsor, Power NI.

Taking place on Thursday, November 23rd at 7:00 PM in the iconic St Anne’s Cathedral, this magical event promises a night to remember and will include musical performances from Margaret Keys, ARCO String Quartet and the wonderful Cancer Fund for Children choir, made up of families supported by the charity, staff and volunteers. This event will also be hosted by award-winning journalist, Holly Hamilton.

Speaking on this, William Steele, Managing Director of Power NI said:

‘Power NI are delighted to be supporting Cancer Fund for Children’s upcoming Candlelit Concert in St Anne’s Cathedral. Cancer Fund for Children does tremendously valuable work across Northern Ireland for those young people diagnosed with cancer, their families and their communities. We look forward to November 23rd and what promises to be a wonderful night for a great cause.’

Sarah Clements, Partnership and Philanthropy Lead at Cancer Fund for Children said:

“We are so grateful to our amazing sponsors, Power NI, for helping to bring this wonderful, immersive event to life. We can’t wait to welcome in the festive season with this special night which will allow attendees to enjoy captivating music in a beautiful space, while also raising money in support of children and young people impacted by cancer.

We hope you can join us and help ensure no child has to face cancer alone, this Christmas.”

Tickets can be purchased on the link below or on the charity’s website www.cancerfundforchildren.com. Gold Ticket holders will also be invited to a special drinks reception following the concert. You can find out more about the charity and how you can get involved this Christmas by visiting www.cancerfundforchildren.com.

Candlelit Concert Tickets, Thu 23 Nov 2023 at 19:00 | Eventbrite

The gates to Belfast’s largest festive event will open at 12noon on Saturday the 18th of November

With over 1million visitors expected from across the UK and Ireland, the Belfast Christmas Market has become a significant contributor to the local economy, regularly generating an economic impact in the city in excess of £80m, demonstrating the citywide benefit of the award-winning event.

Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place Europe Ltd said:

‘As we celebrate our 18^th year in Belfast, we have been looking back at the relationships we have built, the charities we have supported and the 1000’s of children we have welcomed on our free school tours. We and our traders have long held Belfast in high regard, and we are very excited  to be returning to the city to deliver this very special event.’

With international and local traders in the annually built festive village, the event offers something for everyone and is one of the most diverse markets in the UK. Traders representing up to 30 nationalities from across the globe offer a variety of authentic cuisines such as bite-size Dutch pancakes, delicious vegan Greek gyros and delicious hand-crafted chocolates and sweet treats. Carefully curated handcrafted goods and bespoke artisan products provide great choice for those hopeful of ticking off that all-important Christmas shopping list. Visitors can also wind down and treat themselves in one of the bars serving local and continental drinks, or with a tasty hot glühwein from Kochem’s in the food court, a great place to people watch and take in the magical sights, smells and sounds of the market.

As part of the 18^th birthday celebrations, the food court will be home to a bespoke designed Q Radio DJ booth, with local DJ’s broadcasting live across Northern Ireland with live music, chat and festive tunes.

The much-loved carousel will provide a memorable treat for young children and parents and vintage Helter Skelter returns, offering breathtaking views across the market and a thrilling slide back to street level for those who dare!

With an increase in local offering at this year’s market, support for local food and craft continues with several popular St George’s Market traders joining in the festive fun. Some local favorites will also be returning including Pappas Minerals and Tapitas, Rossi’s Ice Cream and the Toasted Marshmallow stall.

This year Belfast Christmas Market is proud to be supporting one of the Lord Mayor’s charities, Kids Together Belfast. The charity works tirelessly on behalf of children with severe to moderate disabilities, as well as providing emotional and financial support to their families and carers. Operating Santa’s Grotto, Kids Together Belfast, will be working closely with local charity, Friends of St Gerards and Belfast Christmas Market to deliver a Quiet Room within the market. The Quiet Room will offer a calming sensory space for those who need a momentary escape from festive overstimulation and the hustle and bustle of the market. Visitors can request use of this calm space by visiting the management office.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy said:

‘For many people from Belfast and beyond, no visit to the city centre is complete at

Christmas without a stop by City Hall for a bite to eat or a browse through the Belfast

Christmas Market stalls.

I’m so pleased that one of my charities, Kids Together Belfast, will be further enhancing this year’s visitor experience through their Santa’s Grotto and the addition of a safe, quiet space for families, while the mix of local and international traders combines to deliver a great offering for both shoppers and visitors.  With the return of our own Christmas lights switch-on event at City Hall once again on Saturday 18 November, along with seasonal events planned for our 2 Royal Avenue venue, there’ll be plenty to see and do in Belfast this festive season.

“The market is hugely popular and its arrival always heralds the start of the festive season for the city. It’s lovely to take a stroll through the stalls, soaking up the atmosphere and taking in all those delicious smells. And every weekend in the run-up to Christmas, we’ll have lots of free festive fun for families so, young or old, if you’re coming in to visit the market, shopping, having a bite to eat or just to see the Christmas lights, there’ll be plenty to see and do.”

This year’s winners of the popular young business competition Jolly Big Business Boost, Bathe Botanicals, will be making the most of their free chalet at the market to offer unique artisan soap, bath and body products with a Northern Irish twist. These refreshing, fun soaps are made using popular tipples such as Buckfast, Irish stout, beer, cider and Irish coffee. Bathe Botanical owner, Christine McCaughey, uses natural ingredients such as essential oils and coconut milk to create soothing, cruelty-free, vegan products.

To keep track of Christmas Market news, and the ever-important weather updates, follow the official Facebook, Instagram and TikTok page at Belfast Continental Christmas Market. Keep an eye out for our fabulous social media activity in conjunction with our media partners Q Radio, who will be offering spot prizes and lots of opportunities to engage.

Belfast Christmas Market will open in the gardens of Belfast City Hall at 12noon on Saturday 18 November and run until 6pm on Friday 22 December.

Opening hours are:

Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm

Belfast Author Clare Gallagher has debuted her first novel. A moving story of friendship across the miles. ‘Birds of a Feather Flock Together’ takes readers from one side of the Atlantic to the other as the main character Cat embarks on a year of study in a US college.

Speaking at the launch of the novel, Clare Gallagher, said: “I’m a passionate writer and I’ve always thought that one day I would write a book. It’s been burning in me for years. Then during lockdown I decided to put pen to paper and here we are. I’ve launched my first novel and it’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.”

‘Birds of a Feather Flock Together’ is inspired by Clare’s own experience of meeting a lifelong friend at the tender age of 20 and despite the miles between them, the two have remained firm friends for more than 20 years.

Clare added: “I was inspired from my own experiences for the book’s main character Cat to find a friend for life. Someone who she would share a fun year in college with but someone who would be there for her throughout her life. I think I’ve achieved that as her relationship with her college roommate Alex blossoms into something extremely special for both of them.”

There’s fun, humour, chaos and flirting but at the heart of the novel is the tale of a deep friendship. The story centres around Cat, a fun-loving, free-spirited Dubliner who enjoys pints with the lads and is very much a city girl but has never experienced America before. And Alex, an all-American, blonde-haired Californian, who lives in a small town just outside San Francisco who has never been out of her own county before. Both are living away from home for the first time, and they enjoy their college experience to the fullest and all the drama that goes with it.

Cat and Alex begin a hilarious adventure which sees them navigate college life, sticking together through thick and thin, highs and lows, good times and bad times. They are always there for each other and come to realise the value of a true friendship that will last a lifetime.

‘Birds of a Feather Flock Together’ has already received rave reviews since going on sale on November 1. To purchase your copy, please visit https://www.amazon.co.uk/Birds-Feather-Flock-Together-Gallagher/dp/1739481194

 

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is set to host a series of events to mark Ulster-Scots Language Week from 20-24 November, 2023

Coordinated by the Ulster Scots Agency, ‘Ulster Scotch Leid Week’ aims to promote greater awareness of the Ulster Scots language and celebrate the contribution which Ulster Scots makes to our local area and communities.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “This year’s programme of events to mark Ulster Scots Language Week highlights the importance of the Ulster-Scots in our local culture, heritage and tradition. Ulster-Scots tradition can be heard in towns, shops and cafes across our Borough.  It is highly important to local people, helping to give them a sense of belonging and place.”

The week of activities commences on Monday, 20 November at 7pm in The Fuse Centre Ballymoney, with an evening of poems, verses and stories from Chalie Gillen, Councillor Ivor Wallace and Alan Millar.

On Tuesday, 21 November at 7pm in Tilly Molloy Centre, Liam Logan, a native Ulster-Scots speaker and an enthusiast promoter of Ulster-Scots, will give a talk on Ulster Scots and explore how it is an integral part of our shared linguistic and cultural heritage. There will be tunes and music from renowned local musician Dick Glasgow.

Then on Thursday, 23 November in Kilrea, there will be more tunes, stories and songs featuring Dick Glasgow and friends, with a talk by Liam Logan. This will be held in Kilrea Orange Hall, New Row, Kilrea at 7.30pm with light refreshments served.

Gerard McIlroy, Good Relations Officer at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “As part of the Hear Here project, we are delighted to run these events to mark Ulster Scots Week. This project aims to promote the use of the Ulster-Scots language across the Borough.  We hope that many will take the opportunity to come to these events and explore Ulster Scots and the range of talent we have in our community.”

For those who were unable to attend the events, Fuse FM will have coverage over live on their radio station. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will also be adding information across their social media channels.

The events received financial support from The Executive Office as part of the District Councils Good Relations Programme and supports the T:BUC strategy (Together Building a United Community).

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Service has some fantastic festive events on offer this Christmas season.

Shoppers are invited to two unique festive shopping experiences where they can browse and purchase beautiful, handcrafted products created by local artists and makers. The special events which will be located in North Down Museum, Bangor and Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards are sure to offer ideal Christmas gifts.

North Down Museum’s Pop-Up Christmas Shop takes place from Wednesday 22 November to Sunday 7 January. The museum’s galleries with be festively decorated and filled with stunning, hand-made products, the perfect place to get that special gift whilst supporting local artists. The shop is free to explore during museum opening hours.

On Thursday 30 November, the museum is hosting a special Late Night Shopping Event where visitors can browse the galleries and buy unique presents in a completely different way. The event will also feature live music and artists demonstrations.

The Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 December, exclusively featuring artwork and handcrafted produce made by the Creative Peninsula Artists. For a unique shopping experience, visitors can browse the artworks and be inspired to purchase a wonderful, handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the borough of Ards and North Down. Seasonal interludes, complimentary gift wrapping and festive refreshments will also be on offer. The Christmas Fayre is on 4pm – 8pm on Friday 1 and 10am – 4pm on Saturday 2 December. Admission is free.

Kids will love Little Miss Muffet’s Christmas Adventure at the Queen’s Hall, Newtownards on Saturday 9 December at 2pm and 6.30pm. Presented by Centre Stage Company, this hilarious Christmas tale with catchy songs and simple effects is guaranteed to have children shrieking with delighted. Tickets are on sale now and cost £8.

A Christmas Night at the Movies will be an enchanting evening of Christmas and movie favourites, taking place in the beautiful Chamber Room in Bangor Castle on Thursday 14 December. Performed and hosted by one of Northern Ireland’s finest vocalists and Bangor’s own Michelle Baird, the concert will feature much loved hits and themes from popular films including Elf, Love Actually and Home Alone as well as West End and chart favourites and Christmas classics. Joining Michelle will be the talented pianist Steve Barnett, along with Stephen McClenahan on guitar and other guest performers. Tickets cost £15 including festive refreshments.

Speaking about the events, Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council said: We have something for everyone this Christmas with opportunities to purchase unique handcrafted gifts, festive fun for all the family at our Christmas show with Centre Stage Theatre Company and an atmospheric evening of music at Bangor Castle with the wonderful Michelle Baird that’s guaranteed to get you into the seasonal spirit!

For more information to book tickets visit: www.andculture.org.uk